Boo-boos burdening Broncos

We interrupt our regularly scheduled interrogation of Jake Plummer for this important message: The Broncos have some serious injury issues.

Especially on the defensive side of the ball, where two would-be starters, Courtney Brown and Nick Ferguson, have been lost for the season with knee problems. Brown, in fact, never started it, having undergone season-ending surgery during training camp.
Ferguson’s absence will serve to turn up the heat on the Broncos secondary, which had lost Ferguson’s backup, Sam Brandon, two weeks earlier, also to a knee injury. With Ferguson and Brandon out of the picture, defensive coordinator Larry Coyer will turn to Curome Cox to start at strong safety.

Not that, you know, the Chiefs noticed or anything, but Thursday night’s game marked the first start of Cox’s career. Maybe earlier in the season, when the Broncos’ D was on a roll, it wouldn’t have been as big an issue. But this is the Broncos’ defense of late November, a unit that had allowed 25.5 points per game in its previous four games.

By contrast, the Broncos allowed 7.3 points per game in their first six games. Having struggled since then, the last thing they needed was a major injury in their secondary.

No question, Jim, key injuries have played a part in the defensive breakdowns witnessed these past 4 games. However, I would argue the scheme or lack thereof, combined with the lack of defensive adjustments have played a much larger role in Denver’s breakdowns on the defensive side of the ball. I would also argue the lack of a true pass rusher has been the achilles heel of this team for many years.

The loss of Courtney Brown was and is not the answer. He is NOT the missing ingredient. I will not accept him as our end all savior. I’m sorry. The fact is, the defensive line, as a whole, is getting pushed around and too often are out of position attempting to arm tackle the likes of stronger running backs and continually failing to apply any considerable, consistent pressure on the QB. Having the likes of Brown would not have made the difference. By the way, wasn’t Dumervil to pick up the slack? When was his last sack?

And lastly, enough with the references this Bronco defense is ‘one of the best in the league’. Perhaps point wise, they were at or near the top of the league, but, yardage allowed, they have ranked right near the middle. Before it’s said and done, injury or no injuries, the Broncos just might find themselves in the middle of the pack draft wise looking for the next defensive messiah.

SoTXBroncoFan

No question, Jim, key injuries have played a part in the defensive breakdowns witnessed these past 4 games. However, I would argue the scheme or lack thereof, combined with the lack of defensive adjustments have played a much larger role in Denver’s breakdowns on the defensive side of the ball. I would also argue the lack of a true pass rusher has been the achilles heel of this team for many years.

The loss of Courtney Brown was and is not the answer. He is NOT the missing ingredient. I will not accept him as our end all savior. I’m sorry. The fact is, the defensive line, as a whole, is getting pushed around and too often are out of position attempting to arm tackle the likes of stronger running backs and continually failing to apply any considerable, consistent pressure on the QB. Having the likes of Brown would not have made the difference. By the way, wasn’t Dumervil to pick up the slack? When was his last sack?

And lastly, enough with the references this Bronco defense is ‘one of the best in the league’. Perhaps point wise, they were at or near the top of the league, but, yardage allowed, they have ranked right near the middle. Before it’s said and done, injury or no injuries, the Broncos just might find themselves in the middle of the pack draft wise looking for the next defensive messiah.

Peter Brown

But that 25.5 average allowed in the previous four games was largely propped up by the Indy and SD games. Versus KC, they allowed just one touchdown and 19 points, enough to win an NFL game. It’s the offense that’s the problem with this team.

Peter Brown

But that 25.5 average allowed in the previous four games was largely propped up by the Indy and SD games. Versus KC, they allowed just one touchdown and 19 points, enough to win an NFL game. It’s the offense that’s the problem with this team.

Allan Hanlon

Draft day is the biggest day of the season left to look forward to. Draft day wishes: to aquire a second firts round pick. With the two first round picks they need to select a real defensive end who has size, abillity, tallent, oh and some heart. Second first round pick: A real running back not a basement bargin. Remaining picks, trade for a secon round pick and select a real right tackle instead of a makeshift veteran or a 1st round bust. Coaching: Pat Bowlen needs to start putting pressure on Mike to win the big games or else. A new defensive coordinator is in line as this so called one of the best deffenses does not evan rank that high by high school standards in my book. An offensive coordinator instead of an old freind would also be nice. Maybee a real special teams coach could help get the ball past the 25 yard line. Tweaking is not the answer here, a complete overhaul is what it is going to take and if Mike “The Master Mind” Shannahan does not have the stomach for it, change out that spare tire as well. I as die hard fan am groing tired of holding on to the past of when we use to be good, now we just mull along and look good but blow it in the end. Judging from the losses to the Colts, Chargers, and Chiefs this team is no longer even mediocre, they are awfull and pathedic. Free agency could bring in some badly needed talent into the secondary as the only player there is in that group is Champ. Lynch is a good person but his time and style of play is the thing of the past. Fergeson is on his heels as far as being out of date. Darent Williams has talent but not a champions body. The linebackers have speed and talent but no heart, toughness, nor the mean streak of a Romonowskie that it takes to be a champion linebacker. The front four is a disgrace, the have nothing, no tallent, ability, size, speed, heart, toughness. Blue collar is right, they are just hanging around to collect their next paycheck. The tight end slot is of the same make up as the d-line, nothing. There is promise at WR with Javon, but Rod is getting old another top tallent could help here. QB, well the joke that is Plummer speaks for itself, and it is said that he deserves pitty, why he is on of the highest paid broncos but plays like he is a rookie free agent on the practice squad. He should be traded for anything the team can get for him the first day the trade starts. Fullback is solid with Johnson and Sapp. HB is another joke however, true maybee anyone can run for 1000 yards, but how many of those yards are game breaking or game turning yards. A real HB is needed here.

Allan Hanlon

Draft day is the biggest day of the season left to look forward to. Draft day wishes: to aquire a second firts round pick. With the two first round picks they need to select a real defensive end who has size, abillity, tallent, oh and some heart. Second first round pick: A real running back not a basement bargin. Remaining picks, trade for a secon round pick and select a real right tackle instead of a makeshift veteran or a 1st round bust. Coaching: Pat Bowlen needs to start putting pressure on Mike to win the big games or else. A new defensive coordinator is in line as this so called one of the best deffenses does not evan rank that high by high school standards in my book. An offensive coordinator instead of an old freind would also be nice. Maybee a real special teams coach could help get the ball past the 25 yard line. Tweaking is not the answer here, a complete overhaul is what it is going to take and if Mike “The Master Mind” Shannahan does not have the stomach for it, change out that spare tire as well. I as die hard fan am groing tired of holding on to the past of when we use to be good, now we just mull along and look good but blow it in the end. Judging from the losses to the Colts, Chargers, and Chiefs this team is no longer even mediocre, they are awfull and pathedic. Free agency could bring in some badly needed talent into the secondary as the only player there is in that group is Champ. Lynch is a good person but his time and style of play is the thing of the past. Fergeson is on his heels as far as being out of date. Darent Williams has talent but not a champions body. The linebackers have speed and talent but no heart, toughness, nor the mean streak of a Romonowskie that it takes to be a champion linebacker. The front four is a disgrace, the have nothing, no tallent, ability, size, speed, heart, toughness. Blue collar is right, they are just hanging around to collect their next paycheck. The tight end slot is of the same make up as the d-line, nothing. There is promise at WR with Javon, but Rod is getting old another top tallent could help here. QB, well the joke that is Plummer speaks for itself, and it is said that he deserves pitty, why he is on of the highest paid broncos but plays like he is a rookie free agent on the practice squad. He should be traded for anything the team can get for him the first day the trade starts. Fullback is solid with Johnson and Sapp. HB is another joke however, true maybee anyone can run for 1000 yards, but how many of those yards are game breaking or game turning yards. A real HB is needed here.

John Osborn

QB problems and injuries play huge witht he Broncos. But has anyone really looked at the miserable success on number 1 round draft choices in the last decade-players who should be with you a decade,make all-pro, etc. MIssing from the current roster are former #1s Marcus Nash, Ashley Lelie, Deltha O’neill,Willie MIddlebrooks and the demoted George Foster. The Broncos have a real tendency to “blow” number 1’s!

John Osborn

QB problems and injuries play huge witht he Broncos. But has anyone really looked at the miserable success on number 1 round draft choices in the last decade-players who should be with you a decade,make all-pro, etc. MIssing from the current roster are former #1s Marcus Nash, Ashley Lelie, Deltha O’neill,Willie MIddlebrooks and the demoted George Foster. The Broncos have a real tendency to “blow” number 1’s!

Winsor Cooper

Yes, I would agree that Denver’s defense has faltered as of late against the elite offenses in the NFL, but Denver would have lost games to Oakland, Cleveland and other sorry team in the first half of the schedule had the defense not completely shut people down. When Denver played the Colts, they had not scored more than 17 points all season and were 6-1. The offense is definitely to blame. The poor passing game is killing the offense. When you are a running team, you have to be able to convert on 3rd down and medium (4-6)…Denver is won of the worst teams in the league on third down…hence the defense is on the field all day like yesterday. To make matters worse, no big plays either. I hope Jay Cutler can do a “Tony Romo” and turn this offense around, but I am not sure.

Winsor Cooper

Yes, I would agree that Denver’s defense has faltered as of late against the elite offenses in the NFL, but Denver would have lost games to Oakland, Cleveland and other sorry team in the first half of the schedule had the defense not completely shut people down. When Denver played the Colts, they had not scored more than 17 points all season and were 6-1. The offense is definitely to blame. The poor passing game is killing the offense. When you are a running team, you have to be able to convert on 3rd down and medium (4-6)…Denver is won of the worst teams in the league on third down…hence the defense is on the field all day like yesterday. To make matters worse, no big plays either. I hope Jay Cutler can do a “Tony Romo” and turn this offense around, but I am not sure.

Winsor Cooper

Yes, I would agree that Denver’s defense has faltered as of late against the elite offenses in the NFL, but Denver would have lost games to Oakland, Cleveland and other sorry team in the first half of the schedule had the defense not completely shut people down. When Denver played the Colts, they had not scored more than 17 points all season and were 6-1. The offense is definitely to blame. The poor passing game is killing the offense. When you are a running team, you have to be able to convert on 3rd down and medium (4-6)…Denver is won of the worst teams in the league on third down…hence the defense is on the field all day like yesterday. To make matters worse, no big plays either. I hope Jay Cutler can do a “Tony Romo” and turn this offense around, but I am not sure.

AngryEd

I just read how the linebackers have no heart or toughness. Of course we all know whoever said that lacks the guts to say it personally to one of those guys. Beyond that it is just a ridiculous statement. How can anyone believe they could know a thing like that about someone after watching them play a game on TV? How can someone think they know anything about how to fix a team when the bulk of their info comes from TV announcers? This is obviously one of the best organizations in football. I’m sorry if they double-cross you by not winning the Super Bowl. Maybe it would be better if you win your own “Super Bowl” and your life won’t depend on the Broncos!

AngryEd

I just read how the linebackers have no heart or toughness. Of course we all know whoever said that lacks the guts to say it personally to one of those guys. Beyond that it is just a ridiculous statement. How can anyone believe they could know a thing like that about someone after watching them play a game on TV? How can someone think they know anything about how to fix a team when the bulk of their info comes from TV announcers? This is obviously one of the best organizations in football. I’m sorry if they double-cross you by not winning the Super Bowl. Maybe it would be better if you win your own “Super Bowl” and your life won’t depend on the Broncos!

AngryEd

I just read how the linebackers have no heart or toughness. Of course we all know whoever said that lacks the guts to say it personally to one of those guys. Beyond that it is just a ridiculous statement. How can anyone believe they could know a thing like that about someone after watching them play a game on TV? How can someone think they know anything about how to fix a team when the bulk of their info comes from TV announcers? This is obviously one of the best organizations in football. I’m sorry if they double-cross you by not winning the Super Bowl. Maybe it would be better if you win your own “Super Bowl” and your life won’t depend on the Broncos!

At 6:12am this morning, Allan Hanlon said it all.I haven’t the slightest idea who he is but it is more than obvious, his thinking cap is on straight. Pat Bowlen would do well to post it on his mirror.

Comment by Joe Kuttler–November 24 @10:30 am

ed bentley

Let’s face, the Broncos are just not that good. Even hinting that the loss of Courtney Brown has anything to do with our problems is ridiculous. Where’s Gerrard Warren been? Ever since he signed his big deal he’s disappeared. Start the Cutler era. Trade Plummer straight up to the Raiders for Moss and use our first round Redskins pick for a top defensive pass rusher. Take off your Orange colored glasses, we are not a Super Bowl contender.

ed bentley

Let’s face, the Broncos are just not that good. Even hinting that the loss of Courtney Brown has anything to do with our problems is ridiculous. Where’s Gerrard Warren been? Ever since he signed his big deal he’s disappeared. Start the Cutler era. Trade Plummer straight up to the Raiders for Moss and use our first round Redskins pick for a top defensive pass rusher. Take off your Orange colored glasses, we are not a Super Bowl contender.

ed bentley

Let’s face, the Broncos are just not that good. Even hinting that the loss of Courtney Brown has anything to do with our problems is ridiculous. Where’s Gerrard Warren been? Ever since he signed his big deal he’s disappeared. Start the Cutler era. Trade Plummer straight up to the Raiders for Moss and use our first round Redskins pick for a top defensive pass rusher. Take off your Orange colored glasses, we are not a Super Bowl contender.

greg joseph

I am a die hard fan and i’m frustrated. This team is good enough to go to the superbowl. They could have won every game they lost. Not really happy with refs and scheduling but this team needs a leader on offense. I don’t care who it is, Plummer-Cutler-a Bell…anyone. Not so happy with the playcalling- do we miss Kubiak that much and wwhat happened to the defenses heart?(or was that playing twice in less than 5 days)and bein on a short field most of EVERY game this season). Plummers a decent quarterback and I will stand by him until someone esle is in there, but come on…take that questionable penalty on the interception by Surtain and that would not have been a game. This is a team game and neither side of the ball looked like they wanted to win this game as bad as I wanted them to. I live right outside Oakland and I have more heart in a crowd than Denver had on the field Thursday-missed tackles-not swarming the ball, etc. Since Indy, this team lost something…is it heart?

greg joseph

I am a die hard fan and i’m frustrated. This team is good enough to go to the superbowl. They could have won every game they lost. Not really happy with refs and scheduling but this team needs a leader on offense. I don’t care who it is, Plummer-Cutler-a Bell…anyone. Not so happy with the playcalling- do we miss Kubiak that much and wwhat happened to the defenses heart?(or was that playing twice in less than 5 days)and bein on a short field most of EVERY game this season). Plummers a decent quarterback and I will stand by him until someone esle is in there, but come on…take that questionable penalty on the interception by Surtain and that would not have been a game. This is a team game and neither side of the ball looked like they wanted to win this game as bad as I wanted them to. I live right outside Oakland and I have more heart in a crowd than Denver had on the field Thursday-missed tackles-not swarming the ball, etc. Since Indy, this team lost something…is it heart?

greg joseph

I am a die hard fan and i’m frustrated. This team is good enough to go to the superbowl. They could have won every game they lost. Not really happy with refs and scheduling but this team needs a leader on offense. I don’t care who it is, Plummer-Cutler-a Bell…anyone. Not so happy with the playcalling- do we miss Kubiak that much and wwhat happened to the defenses heart?(or was that playing twice in less than 5 days)and bein on a short field most of EVERY game this season). Plummers a decent quarterback and I will stand by him until someone esle is in there, but come on…take that questionable penalty on the interception by Surtain and that would not have been a game. This is a team game and neither side of the ball looked like they wanted to win this game as bad as I wanted them to. I live right outside Oakland and I have more heart in a crowd than Denver had on the field Thursday-missed tackles-not swarming the ball, etc. Since Indy, this team lost something…is it heart?

Bronc Fan in Canada

Is it just me or what, D. Williams the CB is a sieve, it is just one pass right after another, I know they are not going to go to the other side but hey can’t we break up a pass once in a while???

Bronc Fan in Canada

Is it just me or what, D. Williams the CB is a sieve, it is just one pass right after another, I know they are not going to go to the other side but hey can’t we break up a pass once in a while???

Bronc Fan in Canada

Is it just me or what, D. Williams the CB is a sieve, it is just one pass right after another, I know they are not going to go to the other side but hey can’t we break up a pass once in a while???

Rod Porter

Injuries are a problem not the biggest problem however.With Plummer and the offense struggling including the running game the defense is on the field way to often.They could have easily beaten Indy and San Diego with a couple of more effective offensive drives.This defense would have been much better if the offense was even average.Also let’s not forget he brutal schedule that Denver has had simply tough team after tough team.It’s not all Jake’s fault hearing the footsteps of Cutler has obviously hurt him.The change at QB is for the future with Jake at the helm Denver cannot routinely beat elite teams.

Shanahan has to get Scheffler on the field regardless as to how he looks in practice he looked fine in the preseason.I think Mike puts too much emphasis on practice the kid can run and catch get him out there give him a shot.Also open up the offense I can’t fathom how a team with such light mobile offensive linemen runs so few screens.

The D-line won’t be much improved next year but we should be able to draft a decent free safety in the late 1st round and a running back in the 3rd or 4th.Teams are constantly exposing Denver’s lack of a ball hawk safety in the middle of the field.

Improve the running game get the O-line healthy,get that safety and once Cutler gets some seasoning this is a Super Bowl calibre team.

Rod Porter

Injuries are a problem not the biggest problem however.With Plummer and the offense struggling including the running game the defense is on the field way to often.They could have easily beaten Indy and San Diego with a couple of more effective offensive drives.This defense would have been much better if the offense was even average.Also let’s not forget he brutal schedule that Denver has had simply tough team after tough team.It’s not all Jake’s fault hearing the footsteps of Cutler has obviously hurt him.The change at QB is for the future with Jake at the helm Denver cannot routinely beat elite teams.

Shanahan has to get Scheffler on the field regardless as to how he looks in practice he looked fine in the preseason.I think Mike puts too much emphasis on practice the kid can run and catch get him out there give him a shot.Also open up the offense I can’t fathom how a team with such light mobile offensive linemen runs so few screens.

The D-line won’t be much improved next year but we should be able to draft a decent free safety in the late 1st round and a running back in the 3rd or 4th.Teams are constantly exposing Denver’s lack of a ball hawk safety in the middle of the field.

Improve the running game get the O-line healthy,get that safety and once Cutler gets some seasoning this is a Super Bowl calibre team.

Tackling basics, or the lack or the application thereof, is what is killing the Broncos. I wish someone would go back and pull the plays where the defensive players had a guy in the backfield, and they tried to be a human bullet. Several times I’ve seen guys bounce off the opposing player just before he ran for 10,20, 30 or more yards. They should have a one hour session everyday doing nothing but tacking. (WRAP HIM UP).

Tackling basics, or the lack or the application thereof, is what is killing the Broncos. I wish someone would go back and pull the plays where the defensive players had a guy in the backfield, and they tried to be a human bullet. Several times I’ve seen guys bounce off the opposing player just before he ran for 10,20, 30 or more yards. They should have a one hour session everyday doing nothing but tacking. (WRAP HIM UP).

RJ

Reasons we lost at KC:

1) 38 total rushing yards from our backs.
2) several defensive penalties that eventually allowed KC to score.
3) continued poor special teams play
4) more dropped passes
5) constant blitzing from the KC defense because they knew we couldn’t run the ball.

Bottom line, fix these problems and Denver wins at KC, even with Plummer. If these problems continue, it won’t matter who the QB is.

RJ

Reasons we lost at KC:

1) 38 total rushing yards from our backs.
2) several defensive penalties that eventually allowed KC to score.
3) continued poor special teams play
4) more dropped passes
5) constant blitzing from the KC defense because they knew we couldn’t run the ball.

Bottom line, fix these problems and Denver wins at KC, even with Plummer. If these problems continue, it won’t matter who the QB is.

RJ

I wonder if the season would have been different if we had drafted Lawrence Maroney in the first round, instead of Cutler, so that we had a real running back and a QB that wasn’t looking over his shoulder all year!

RJ

I wonder if the season would have been different if we had drafted Lawrence Maroney in the first round, instead of Cutler, so that we had a real running back and a QB that wasn’t looking over his shoulder all year!

RJ

Right now the Broncos are 7-4 and still in the playoffs. Wouldn’t it be better to leave Plummer in as the starter, make the playoffs as a wild card team, and maybe win a game or two in the playoffs rather than to start Cutler now and lose enough regular season games to miss the playoffs entirely? Cutler may be a good QB someday, but he won’t play any better than Matt Leinart in AZ (who by the way has betters receivers & backs than we do)who has only be able to win against the worst team in the NFL. If you think that Cutler will play like Romo or Rivers, give him 3 or 4 years on the sidelines and perhaps he will. Remember how many games Elway and Manning(s) won in their first year? Don’t think that Cutler will be any different. Put Culter in now and the season is over!

RJ

Right now the Broncos are 7-4 and still in the playoffs. Wouldn’t it be better to leave Plummer in as the starter, make the playoffs as a wild card team, and maybe win a game or two in the playoffs rather than to start Cutler now and lose enough regular season games to miss the playoffs entirely? Cutler may be a good QB someday, but he won’t play any better than Matt Leinart in AZ (who by the way has betters receivers & backs than we do)who has only be able to win against the worst team in the NFL. If you think that Cutler will play like Romo or Rivers, give him 3 or 4 years on the sidelines and perhaps he will. Remember how many games Elway and Manning(s) won in their first year? Don’t think that Cutler will be any different. Put Culter in now and the season is over!

Orange and Blue in Phx

Bronc Fan in Canada’s rip on Darrent Williams is ridiculous too, Has he not picked two passes off in the last 5 days and ran one back for a TD? And even in his one really bad day against the Colts, He kept his man in front of him on all but one or two plays. IF our FOUNDATIONS were solid (IE Defensive and Offensive Lines) we would not be sitting here berating our “Horrible, Pitifful” 7-4 football team (Dont the Steelers or Cardinals or Raiders WISH they were 7-4?) We are still in this playoff race, but if we can not put any pressure on the opponents quarterbacks, or do better than whiff at blocks on the offensive lines, its over. I don’t care WHO is playing QB, as long as you have to avoid defenders before you can make a 3 step drop, and have a “vaunted” zone-blocking scheme that only produces 38 yards rushing in an entire game….You will not look good. Maybe its time offensive linemen stopped the stupid not talking to anybody thing, and actually answered a question or two…. Like “Did you even SEE that guy?”, or “Did it hurt when you got ran over?”

Orange and Blue in Phx

Bronc Fan in Canada’s rip on Darrent Williams is ridiculous too, Has he not picked two passes off in the last 5 days and ran one back for a TD? And even in his one really bad day against the Colts, He kept his man in front of him on all but one or two plays. IF our FOUNDATIONS were solid (IE Defensive and Offensive Lines) we would not be sitting here berating our “Horrible, Pitifful” 7-4 football team (Dont the Steelers or Cardinals or Raiders WISH they were 7-4?) We are still in this playoff race, but if we can not put any pressure on the opponents quarterbacks, or do better than whiff at blocks on the offensive lines, its over. I don’t care WHO is playing QB, as long as you have to avoid defenders before you can make a 3 step drop, and have a “vaunted” zone-blocking scheme that only produces 38 yards rushing in an entire game….You will not look good. Maybe its time offensive linemen stopped the stupid not talking to anybody thing, and actually answered a question or two…. Like “Did you even SEE that guy?”, or “Did it hurt when you got ran over?”

R Gerster

First, I would like to say something on the suggested idea that the Broncos trade to get another first and second round picks. Its a great idea until you consider what you would have to give up to get those picks. Nobody in the NFL is going to cough up a high pick for the likes of Plummer or Foster, etc. They might for Bailey or Al Wilson, but what would you gain? You could trade for future picks, but team usually want extra picks to give in exchange for future picks. Do you want to be off the board when a good future o-line protector for Jay Cutler is being pickrd by someone like the Raiders.
I agree that the Broncos don’t have a stud pass rusher, but the quality of the linebackers, and the speed of the secondary a d-coordinator can make up for these shortcomings using the blitz or extra coverage.
To me the Brocos are missing three elements – key ingredients – in their offense.
1. A running back that can inspire confidence. The thought that you have to have a top five pick to get a true quality back, like Tomlinson, is silly. Who would you rather have Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams (both top five picks) or Larry Johnson (#27).
If the Broncs hadn’t traded up for Cutler the pick was going to be L Maroney later in the 1st – that would have worked just fine.
2. An all around tight end. Alexander caused on int with a bobble and missed on other passes that should have been caught. He is a fine blocker, but Shanny’s offense needs a pass catcher at TE that can block some. One of these comes available every year on the free agent market.
3. Gary Kubiak. Not enough credit goes to the former o-coordinator for getting Plummer to play under control most of the time. When out of control Plummer is a boneheaded coach killer – see Mike Vick – capable of anything. Kubiak has done wonders with Carr in Houston. The Broncs needed him one more year to get through the transition from Plummer to Cutler. The new OC will be fine but he needs time.

R Gerster

First, I would like to say something on the suggested idea that the Broncos trade to get another first and second round picks. Its a great idea until you consider what you would have to give up to get those picks. Nobody in the NFL is going to cough up a high pick for the likes of Plummer or Foster, etc. They might for Bailey or Al Wilson, but what would you gain? You could trade for future picks, but team usually want extra picks to give in exchange for future picks. Do you want to be off the board when a good future o-line protector for Jay Cutler is being pickrd by someone like the Raiders.
I agree that the Broncos don’t have a stud pass rusher, but the quality of the linebackers, and the speed of the secondary a d-coordinator can make up for these shortcomings using the blitz or extra coverage.
To me the Brocos are missing three elements – key ingredients – in their offense.
1. A running back that can inspire confidence. The thought that you have to have a top five pick to get a true quality back, like Tomlinson, is silly. Who would you rather have Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams (both top five picks) or Larry Johnson (#27).
If the Broncs hadn’t traded up for Cutler the pick was going to be L Maroney later in the 1st – that would have worked just fine.
2. An all around tight end. Alexander caused on int with a bobble and missed on other passes that should have been caught. He is a fine blocker, but Shanny’s offense needs a pass catcher at TE that can block some. One of these comes available every year on the free agent market.
3. Gary Kubiak. Not enough credit goes to the former o-coordinator for getting Plummer to play under control most of the time. When out of control Plummer is a boneheaded coach killer – see Mike Vick – capable of anything. Kubiak has done wonders with Carr in Houston. The Broncs needed him one more year to get through the transition from Plummer to Cutler. The new OC will be fine but he needs time.

Brian Brandfas

To blame the defense is being very narrowminded. No defense can consistently go out on a short field with little rest and shut down teams week after week after week. Special teams and the offense’s propensity to go 3 and out or turn the ball over is putting the defense behind the 8 ball before it even takes the field.

Brian Brandfas

To blame the defense is being very narrowminded. No defense can consistently go out on a short field with little rest and shut down teams week after week after week. Special teams and the offense’s propensity to go 3 and out or turn the ball over is putting the defense behind the 8 ball before it even takes the field.

The Broncos have lost their confidence. As a fan, I’ve lost my confidence in them. Love them come rain or shine, but….

There is NO WAY you can expect to win a Championship:

– When your offense is one of the worst teams in the NFL on third down conversions

– When your defense is one of the worst teams in the NFL at stopping third down conversions

– When you have one of the worst special teams in the NFL giving opponents field position

– When your QB fumbles or throws interceptions in critical situations

– When your running backs are constantly traded like baseball cards

– When you only have one reciever that is a threat (Walker)

– When your tight ends average about 0.33 catches a game between all of them.

– When your defensive line can’t stop the run or pressure the QB

– When your defensive backs give 15 yards cushion but the opposing team only needs 5 for a first down

– When you’ve lost your swagger because you’ve been humilitated on National Television and all your fellow NFL brethern have had a chance to see you dominated in the trenches, on pass defense and on offensive line.

Looking at the schedule and our recent downfall, I would guess that we may win two of the next five games, three if we’re lucky. I don’t think 9-7 and probably 10-6 won’t even put us in the playoffs. KC and SD have a slightly easier remaining schudule than us and they are picking up their play not faltering and sputtering.

The Broncos have lost their confidence. As a fan, I’ve lost my confidence in them. Love them come rain or shine, but….

There is NO WAY you can expect to win a Championship:

– When your offense is one of the worst teams in the NFL on third down conversions

– When your defense is one of the worst teams in the NFL at stopping third down conversions

– When you have one of the worst special teams in the NFL giving opponents field position

– When your QB fumbles or throws interceptions in critical situations

– When your running backs are constantly traded like baseball cards

– When you only have one reciever that is a threat (Walker)

– When your tight ends average about 0.33 catches a game between all of them.

– When your defensive line can’t stop the run or pressure the QB

– When your defensive backs give 15 yards cushion but the opposing team only needs 5 for a first down

– When you’ve lost your swagger because you’ve been humilitated on National Television and all your fellow NFL brethern have had a chance to see you dominated in the trenches, on pass defense and on offensive line.

Looking at the schedule and our recent downfall, I would guess that we may win two of the next five games, three if we’re lucky. I don’t think 9-7 and probably 10-6 won’t even put us in the playoffs. KC and SD have a slightly easier remaining schudule than us and they are picking up their play not faltering and sputtering.

sign me…Devastated Fan,

Nathan Crockett

Bring in the Cutler era! Plummer plays like a rookie so why not give our rookie experience?

Nathan Crockett

Bring in the Cutler era! Plummer plays like a rookie so why not give our rookie experience?

Nicki Jhabvala is a Broncos beat writer for The Denver Post. She was previously the digital news editor for sports. Before arriving in Denver, she spent five years at Sports Illustrated working primarily as its online NBA editor. She also spent two years as a home page editor at the New York Times.